The Elect Nation. The Savonarolan Movement in Florence, 1495-1545.~(book reviews)

Publication: The Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Publication Date: 01-JUL-96

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COPYRIGHT 1996 Cambridge University Press

In this brilliant and meticulously researched work Lorenzo Polizzotto explores Savonarola's audience, and the traditions developed by his adherents, the Piagnoni, during the years of his ascendancy, and in the ensuing half century. The result is a book which makes a signal contribution to the history of the Italian sixteenth century.

An early chapter examines the divisions wrought by Savonarola in the Ficino circle. Polizzotto notes Ficino's warnings about Savonarola's populism and the 'unworthy zeal of ignorant persons', together with his eventual designation of Savonarola as a tyrant- Saevus Nero, the AntiChrist. There follows a discussion of Savonarola's influence on Giovanni Nesi and Domenico Benivieni. In the latter, Polizzotto finds the beginning of a tradition indebted to, but differentiated from Savonarola. Polizzotto believes that Domenico Benivieni's influence among the Piagnoni was long lasting. His originality was to marry the experiences of a hospital chaplain with the preoccupations of the Ficino circle, drawing on the insights, not only of Savonarola, but also of Gerson. Cesare Vasoli and Barry Collett have already indicated the existence of a Devotio moderna in Italy. In Domenico Benivieni we find it assuming an expression at once mystical and missionary. This is a discovery of the highest importance.

What were the effects of Domenico Benivieni's work, which was the spiritual direction of religious communities, villages and men and women of devout life?...

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